Rent arrears and problems with debt
Please contact us as soon as you experience difficulties making your rent payments.
We realise that keeping on top of your finances can be difficult. We work in partnership with a range of organisations so that we can help you manage your finances and prioritise your outgoings more effectively.
We can put you in touch in with:
Credit Unions
These aim to help you take control of your finances by encouraging you to save and borrow only what you can afford to pay back at low and manageable interest rates. Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned by their members, with no outside shareholders.
For more information visit the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd or phone the Customer Service Centre
If you are on a low income and/or out of work, you may qualify for a range of benefits.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
If you are on a low income and need financial help to pay all or part of your rent, you may qualify for Housing and Council Tax Benefit.
Housing Benefit can pay for all or part of your rent. Council Tax Benefit can pay for all or part of your Council Tax.
To make a claim for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, obtain a form from your local council. We strongly recommend you:
- Have your Housing Benefit paid directly to us to avoid getting into arrears
- See your local authority and arrange the housing benefit as soon as your circumstances change, as it is not backdated
- Be aware that Housing Benefit is paid four weeks in arrears and you are liable for the rent until it is paid
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Jobseeker's Allowance is a benefit for unemployed people who are looking for work. You can claim JSA if all of the following apply to you:
- you're able to work
- you're available for work
- you're actively looking for work
Other conditions apply, so please contact your local job centre for more information.
Other benefits
You may be able to claim other benefits while you look for work if you're:
- a parent
- caring for someone
- paying rent, on a low income or
- a disabled person
Find out more about JSA and other benefits by visiting:
Are you managing your money as well as you could?
Money advice service
If you are on a low income, you may find it useful to visit the Money Advice Service. They are a free, independant organisation that can advise you on how to use your money more efficiently. And it only takes 10 minutes.
Visit our Money Advice Service page
Impartial energy price comparison service
My Home Energy Switch is an impartial energy price comparison service provided by the National Housing Federation in partnership with uSwitch.com. Using their service, you can save a considerable amount on your energy bills by finding the most cost-effective energy supplier for you home.
You can contact them by telephone or visit their website. Find out more...